REGISTRATION in this year's edition of the Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship is now in full swing as it unfolds on Saturday at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Canteen, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC), Pablo Ocampo St. (formerly Vito Cruz St.), Malate, Manila.

Bankrolled by Spartan Mining and Development Corporation in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) event is open to all Colleges and Universities nationwide which my be represented by one or more teams provided each team pays the corresponding entry fee of P3,000.

Among the teams who signified their intention to join are La Salle, Ateneo, UST, FEU, UP, UE, NU, San Sebastian College, San Beda College, RTU, PUP, PCCR, Holy Angel University (Angeles, Pampanga), Western Mindanao State University, University of San Jose-Recoletos (Cebu), among others.

Each team may be composed of a maximum of five (5) members or a minimum of four (4) who must be member in good standing with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP). Each member must be not be more than 26 years old and enrolled in the current semester in the school they represent and certified by their authorized school representative. Proof of age and school ID's may be required.

President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos.

"Primary aim of this competition between and among universities and colleges is to determine from among the champions of collegiate leagues the national champion, not to mention its fostering camaraderie among student chess players and instilling in them values for good citizenship." said President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos.

The two-division (Men and Womens) tournament will employ a straight nine-round Swiss system format.

Aside from pocketing the P30,000 plus trophy, gold medals, the College (Men) Champion Team will have the right to represent a city in the coming Asian Inter-Cities Chess Team Tournament which will be held on October 12 to 20 in Tagaytay City.

The second to third placers settle for the cash purse of P20,000 plus trophy, silver medals and P10,000 plus trophy, bronze medals, respectively. Fourth to sixth placers gets P7,000, P6,000, P5,000 while 7th to 10th placers went home P4,000 each.

Meanwhile, the College (Womens) Champion Team will bring home P20,000 plus trophy, gold medals, The second to third placers settle for the cash purse of P15,000 plus trophy, silver medals and P8,000 plus trophy, bronze medals, in order. Fourth to sixth placers gets P7,000, P6,000, P5,000 while 7th to 10th placers went home P3,000 each.

A special award is given to the Individual winners in the Mens and Womens division, P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000 plus trophies, in both division.

For more details, call or text International Arbiter Gene Poliarco at 0923-730-9445 or International Arbiter Elias Lao at 0926-237-8876 or email laoickz@yahoo.com. Tournament Director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.